First aid for victims of paralytic shellfish poisoning

What should I do if I think that I, or someone in my family, have paralytic shellfish poisoning?

PSP is a public health emergency. Medical care in a hospital may be needed to support an ill
person until the toxin has worn off. Call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room.

What is paralytic shellfish poisoning?

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is caused by a poison
produced by small organisms called dinoflagellates. Clams, mussels,
oysters, snails, scallops, and barnacles ingest these organisms
while feeding, and the poison is stored in their bodies. This toxin has
been found in these seafoods every month of the year, and butter
clams have been known to store the toxin for up to two years. One of
the highest concentrations of PSP in the world is reported to be in
the shellfish in southeast Alaska.

Some people have died after eating just one clam or
mussel, others after eating many—each with a small amount of poison.
You cannot tell whether the dinoflagellates are present by looking at
the water with your naked eye. No simple, reliable test for PSP
exists, and most beaches in Alaska are not tested. If you are not sure
the seafood is toxin-free, avoid eating it if it is from an area with a
high incidence of PSP.

Signs and symptoms of PSP most often occur within 10 to
30 minutes after eating affected seafood. Problems can include
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tingling or burning
lips, gums, tongue, face, neck, arms, legs, and toes. Later problems
may include shortness of breath, dry mouth, a choking feeling,
confused or slurred speech, and lack of coordination.

If symptoms have appeared, get the victim to a medical facility, fast.

U.S. Coast Guard phone numbers

From anywhere in Alaska except Juneau, Douglas, and Kodiak

(800) 478-5555

In Juneau and Douglas

463-2000

In Kodiak

487-5888

The U.S. Coast Guard performs rescues. If someone has
PSP symptoms and needs to be transported by helicopter or boat, call
the Rescue Coordination Centers at the numbers above.

Emergency treatment for PSP victims

If you think someone has PSP, bring them to the nearest medical facility. Call 911 or take the victim to the emergency room.

There is no medication available to treat PSP. The only treatment for severe cases is the use of a mechanical
respirator and oxygen. Seek medical care as quickly as possible. Performing CPR may help while you're on the way. Below are links to resources on learning CPR.

If you transport the person to a medical facility yourself and can safely do so on the way, contact the Coast Guard or a physician for further advice.

First aid and CPR training

Two sources of information for CPR are:

Learn CPR: You Can Do It!
A resource page supported by the University of Washington School of Medicine. Contains links to illustrated guides and video demonstrations showing correct first aid